Food and surrealism are perfect lovers: sex and lobsters, collage and cannibalism, the meeting of a swan and a toothbrush in a pastry shop. The opulent dinners organised by Salvador Dalí (1904-1989) and Gala (1894-1982), his wife and muse, were legendary. Fortunately for us, Dalí published a cookbook in 1973, Les dîners de Gala, which reveals some of the sensual, imaginative and exotic ingredients that came together in such famous encounters.

This abridged reprint brings together 78 of her recipes in 12 chapters, specially illustrated by Dalí and organised according to the different dishes, as well as a section devoted to aphrodisiacs. The illustrations and recipes are accompanied by Dalí's extravagant reflections on the subjects discussed at dinner conversations: "The jaw is our best tool for grasping philosophical knowledge".

All the valuable recipes in the book can be prepared at home, although in some cases they require a good hand in the kitchen and a well-stocked larder. These are old-school dishes, with specialities from top French chefs in Michelin-starred Paris restaurants. Good taste, however voluptuous, never goes out of fashion. And by bringing this exceptionally rare book to the general public, TASCHEN brings a work of art, a practical recipe book and a multi-sensory experience to today's cuisine.

Publisher: Taschen